Coronavirus: Indonesia braces for exodus of millions of workers

Jakarta expects 2.5 million migrant workers will leave the capital as it introduces strict new social distancing guidelines

The country has suffered more deaths than any country in Asia other than China

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Indonesian Red Cross personnel in Jakarta spray disinfectant on the road to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:00am, 10 Apr 2020Updated: 10:07am, 10 Apr 2020

Two weeks ago, Indonesian IT consultant Okki Soebagio packed up his home and moved his family from Jakarta to Bali, unnerved by the death of a good friend killed by the novel coronavirus.

He left before Jakarta on Friday introduced new social distancing guidelines that include a ban on gatherings of more than five people, limits on public transport and the closure of public places including schools, offices and places of worship.

On Thursday, Indonesia recorded 40 deaths, its most in a single day, taking the total number of fatalities to 280. The number of new cases also surged, by 337 to 3,293. Two thirds of the infections originated in Jakarta, the capital, and the surrounding satellite cities known as Greater Jakarta.

Indonesia has suffered more deaths than any country in Asia other than China.

“Jakarta is scary at the moment. It is the epicentre of the virus. I lost a good friend to the virus. I also know four to five family members of friends have died from the coronavirus,” said Okki.

IT consultant Okki Soebagio. Photo: Handout

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